Croatia
Photo requirements for passports, visas, and ID cards. Includes dimensions, background rules, and biometric requirements for 2 document types.
Helpful pages for document photos in Croatia
Use these pages to move from country-level requirements to a specific document format, troubleshooting help, and print guidance.
Main document requirements
Open the main document requirements page for this country to see dimensions, background rules, and face-position guidance.
Why photos get rejected
Fix the most common background, framing, and expression problems.
Passport Photo Size Guide
Compare this country's dimensions with other common formats.
How to print passport photos
Print at home or at a pharmacy without scaling errors.
About photo requirements
When applying for a Croatian passport, applicants must adhere to strict standards set by the Ministry of the Interior, or MUP (Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova). Croatia follows the EU biometric passport photo guidelines, which are designed to ensure facial recognition software functions correctly. Meeting these precise specifications is essential for a successful application process and avoiding unnecessary delays during your travel document renewal.
The mandatory size for a Croatian passport photo is 35mm by 45mm. The image must feature a plain, light grey or white background with no shadows across the face or backdrop. Your expression should be neutral with eyes open and looking directly at the camera, while glasses are generally discouraged to prevent glare. Head coverings are only permitted for recognised religious reasons, provided they do not obscure facial features. Ensure your hair is pulled back to keep your chin and forehead visible.
See the full 35 × 45 mm §t:fc67195d§ specifications for exact dimensions, face position, and background rules.
For most standard passport renewals in Croatia, you must submit physical prints at the local police administration office. However, if you are using the e-Građani portal for specific administrative services, you may be required to upload a digital version. Always ensure your digital file adheres to the high-resolution requirements specified by the government portal, or use idpic.app to format your image correctly before submission.
Common issues
The most frequent reasons for rejection in Croatia involve improper lighting and incorrect head positioning. Many applicants fail because their photo includes visible shadows on the wall behind them or their head is tilted, which violates the biometric standards. Additionally, wearing spectacles that cause light reflection or using a low-quality, grainy photograph will almost certainly result in your application being sent back by the MUP office.
Learn more about common passport photo rejection reasons and how to fix them, or check our passport photo size guide for a global comparison.
Local tips
You can obtain compliant passport photos at most local photo studios located near police stations, which typically charge between 7 and 15 euros for a set. If you prefer a DIY approach, ensure you take the photo in a well-lit room facing a window to avoid shadows. Always print your photos on high-quality glossy photographic paper, as matte finishes or home-printed ink-jet images are often rejected by officials.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our DIY passport photo guide or learn how to print passport photos at home.
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